JP2910834B2 - Coin identification device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coin discriminating apparatus for discriminating coins such as coins and game medals.
In particular, the present invention relates to a coin identification device for detecting a pattern or other shapes of a coin to identify and sort the coin.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a coin discriminating apparatus, an outer shape measuring sensor (image sensor or the like) and a material detecting sensor are arranged on a coin conveying surface (conveying path). Then, the outer dimensions of the conveyed coins are measured, the presence or absence of holes and the material of the coins are confirmed, and these confirmation data are compared with the coin data set (stored) in advance.
If these data match, it is determined to be genuine, and if they do not match, it is determined to be fake.

Further, in a conventional coin identification device,
When identifying the pattern of a coin, a microwave is applied to a fixed position on the surface of the rotating coin, and the pattern (unevenness) on the coin surface
The reflected wave change proportional to the coin is taken out by the Doppler effect measurement, and the authenticity of the coin is determined by comparing it with preset pattern data (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
No.).

[0004]

By the way, in the conventional coin discriminating apparatus, since only the external dimensions and the material of the coin are measured, the external dimensions (diameter, thickness, presence or absence of holes) and the material are the same as those of the original coin. When similar coins (for example, foreign coins or imitation coins) are inserted, there is a problem that the authenticity of the coin cannot be correctly determined.

Further, in the conventional coin identification device, when measuring the pattern on the coin surface, as described above, the measurement point of the microwave for measuring the pattern on the coin surface is fixed, and the pattern on the coin surface is measured. In order to do so, the coin must be rotated at a fixed position for a predetermined time,
For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to measure the pattern (irregularity) on the coin surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a coin discriminating apparatus capable of accurately discriminating between true and false coins in a short time.

[0007]

A coin discriminating apparatus according to the present invention measures the pattern of a coin being conveyed using a CCD camera or the like, and, together with the measurement results such as the outer dimensions and material of the coin, corrects the coin. Determine false. For example, the coin identification device according to the present invention includes a material sensor for measuring the material of the coin, an outer shape sensor for measuring the outer dimensions of the coin, and a pattern sensor (for example, a CDD camera) for measuring the pattern of the coin. The authenticity of the coin is determined using the material data, the measured outer shape data, and the measured pattern data as determination parameters. Then, a positive coin and a false coin are selected by the gate according to the determination result.

In the present invention, the material of the coin conveyed from the upstream is measured by a material sensor, and the CPU compares the material data of the original coin stored in advance with the measured material data. If the comparison results in a match, the external dimensions of the coin are measured by the external sensor. If they do not match, the CPU determines that the coin is a fake coin, and omits measurement by the outer shape sensor and the pattern sensor. Then, the coin is guided to the return passage at the gate and returned outside the device.

Next, the CPU compares the outer shape data of the original coin stored in advance with the measured outer shape data. As a result of the comparison, if they match, the pattern of the coin is measured by the pattern sensor. If they do not match, the CPU determines that the coin is a fake coin, and omits the measurement by the pattern sensor. Then, the coin is guided to the return passage at the gate and returned outside the device.

Further, the CPU compares the pattern data of the positive coin stored in advance with the measured pattern data. If the comparison results in a match, the CPU determines that the coin is a true coin. The coin is guided to the storage transport path by the gate and stored in the device. On the other hand, if they do not match, the CPU determines that the coin is a fake coin. The coin is guided to the return passage at the gate and returned outside the device.

[0011] In this manner, the authenticity of the conveyed coin is determined, and the authentic coin and the false coin are sorted out. In the present invention, since the pattern of the coin conveyed from the upstream is read without stopping the coin at a fixed position, the time for coin identification can be reduced. Further, in addition to the coin identification based on the measurement of the outer dimensions and the material of the coin, the coin pattern is added as a parameter for reading and identifying, so that the coin can be correctly identified. If the comparison with the pattern of the similar coin is added, the authenticity of the coin can be more accurately identified.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, the illustrated coin discriminating apparatus includes a material sensor 2 for measuring the material of the coin, an outer shape sensor 3 for measuring the outer dimensions of the coin, and a pattern sensor (for example, a CCD camera) for measuring the pattern of the coin. The material sensor 2, the outer shape sensor 3, and the pattern sensor 4 are arranged in order from the upstream, facing the transport path 11 through which the coins are transported. Downstream of the pattern sensor 4, a gate 6 for selecting coins determined to be correct or false by each sensor is arranged, and the gate 6 is driven by a gate drive unit 5.

Further, the coin identification device includes a control unit (CP
U) 1, and the CPU 1 compares the measurement result measured by each sensor with the true coin data stored in advance for each sensor to determine whether the coin is true or false. Further, C
The PU 1 determines the destination of the coin according to the result of the coin true / false determination, and instructs the sorting to the gate drive unit 5 that performs sorting as described later.

The sorted positive coins are transported by the storage transport path 12 and guided to a storage section (not shown) in the apparatus.
On the other hand, the fake coins after the selection are returned to the outside of the device through the return passage 13.

Here, referring also to FIG. 2, a coin 21 conveyed on the conveyance path 11 (from left to right in FIG. 1)
First passes through the material sensor 2. When the coin 21 comes on the material sensor 2, the material of the coin 21 is measured by the material sensor 2. That is, the material is checked (step 31). Then, the measurement result (measurement material data) is sent to the CPU 1. Upon confirming that the material data has been sent, the CPU 1 turns on the light sources of the outer shape sensor 3 and the pattern sensor 4 located downstream of the material sensor 2 (O
N) (The light is turned off except at the time of identification in consideration of extension of the life of the light source: step 32).

Further, the CPU 1 compares the material data with the material data of the positive coin stored in advance (hereinafter referred to as “positive coin material data: there may be a plurality of types”) and measures the material data in the positive coin material data. It is confirmed whether or not there is any material data (step 33). As a result of the confirmation, if there is no corresponding true coin material data, the CPU 1 determines that the coin is a fake coin. The coin 21 is not measured by the outer shape sensor 3 and the pattern sensor 4,
The sheet is conveyed to the gate 6 through the conveyance path 11.

The CPU 1 gives a command to the gate drive unit 5 to switch the gate 6 to the return passage 13 side in order to return the coin 21 to the outside of the apparatus. Thereby, the gate driving unit 5
Switches the gate 6 to the return passage 13 side (step 4
5). Then, the conveyed coin 21 reaches the return passage 13 through the gate 6 and is returned outside the apparatus.

On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation, if there is a corresponding true coin material data, the CPU 1 determines that there is a possibility of a true coin, and further determines whether or not the coin is a true coin. To the external shape sensor 3 located at. When passing through the external shape sensor 3, the external size of the coin 21 and the presence or absence of a hole are measured (step 34).

This measurement result (measurement outer shape data) is stored in a CPU.
Sent to 1. The CPU 1 measures the measured outer shape data and the outer shape data of the positive coin stored in advance (positive coin outer shape data:
(There may be a plurality of types) to confirm whether or not there is any data corresponding to the measured outer shape data in the original coin outer shape data (step 35).

As a result of the confirmation, if there is no corresponding true coin outline data, the CPU 1 determines that the coin is a false coin. Coin 2
1 indicates that the measurement by the pattern sensor 4 is not performed,
And is conveyed to the gate 6. The CPU 1 returns the gate 6 to the return passage 13 to return the coin 21 to the outside of the apparatus.
The instruction to switch to the side is given to the gate drive unit 5. As a result, the gate drive unit 5 switches the gate 6 to the return passage 13 (step 45). Then, the conveyed coin 21 reaches the return passage 13 through the gate 6 and is returned outside the apparatus.

On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation, if there is a corresponding true coin outer shape data, the CPU 1 determines that there is a possibility of a true coin, and further determines whether or not the coin is a true coin. The process proceeds to the next pattern sensor 4. When passing through the pattern sensor 4, the pattern of the coin 21 is measured (step 38).

Here, in order to determine whether there is a coin other than the regular coin estimated from the material data and the outer shape data measured so far, the CPU 1 searches for coin data other than the regular coin stored in advance. (For example, if the regular coin is 500 yen, the coin estimated from the material and outer shape data measured so far is 500 yen, 500 yen,
There are won etc. However, 500 yen is a positive coin,
If it is not a regular coin, it will be 500 won. Therefore, 5
The CPU 1 searches whether there is data of 00 won. Steps 36 and 37), and are stored as search data.

The measurement result (measured pattern data) measured by the pattern sensor 4 is sent to the CPU 1. The CPU 1 compares the measured pattern data with the pattern data of the regular coin stored in advance (regular coin pattern data, there may be a plurality of types),
It is checked whether or not there is any data corresponding to the measurement pattern data in the regular coin pattern data (step 39).

If there is no corresponding pattern data as a result of the confirmation, the CPU 1 determines that the coin is a fake coin. And coin 2
1 is transported to the gate 6 as it is. In order to return the coin 21 to the outside of the apparatus, the CPU 1 moves the gate 6 to the return path 1
An instruction to switch to the third side is given to the gate drive unit 5. As a result, the gate drive unit 5 switches the gate 6 to the return passage 13 (step 45). The conveyed coin 21 reaches the return passage 13 through the gate 6 and is returned outside the apparatus.

On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation, if there is the corresponding regular coin pattern data, the coin 21 is determined to be a regular coin. At this time, if there is coin data other than the true coin (that is, if there is the above-mentioned search data), the measured pattern data measured by the pattern sensor 4 is stored again to enhance the determination accuracy. The pattern data in the coin data other than the regular coin is compared (step 40). As a result, when the pattern data matches, it is considered that there is a suspicion of a false image coin or the like, since the data match with coins other than the regular coin while each sensor determines that the coin is a regular coin. Judge as a fake coin. Then, the coin 21 is transported to the gate 6 as it is. Coin 2
In order to return 1 to the outside of the device, the CPU 1 gives a command to switch the gate 6 to the return passage 13 side to the gate driving unit 5. As a result, the gate drive unit 5 switches the gate 6 to the return passage 13 (step 45). Then, the conveyed coin 21 passes through the gate 6 and returns to the return passage 13.
And is returned outside the device.

On the other hand, if the pattern data does not match as a result of the comparison, it is determined that the coin is a true coin.

If it is determined that the coin is a genuine coin, the CPU 1 increments the discrimination counter (the number of genuine coins accepted) by one. At the same time, the CPU 1 gives a command to the gate drive unit 5 to switch the gate 6 to the storage transport path 12 side in order to store the coin 21 inside the apparatus (storage unit). by this,
The gate drive unit 5 switches the gate 6 to the storage transport path 12 side (Step 42; 6a in FIG. 1). The transported coin 21 reaches the storage transport path 12 through the gate 6 and is transported to the storage unit.

As described above, it is possible to reduce the erroneous identification of foreign coins and the like and to increase the speed of coin pattern measurement.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the positions of the material sensor 2 and the outer shape sensor 3 may be reversed. The flow of operation and processing is the same as the operation and processing described above, except that the order of the flow of measurement / judgment by the material sensor and the flow of measurement / judgment by the outer shape sensor are interchanged, and equivalent effects can be obtained. Further, although not shown here, even if the arrangement positions of the material sensor, the outer shape sensor, and the pattern sensor are variously changed, if the operation and the processing flow are set in accordance with the arrangement positions, the example described above is used. The same effect can be obtained.

FIG. 3B shows an example used for paper sheet identification. Here, a magnetic sensor 2a is used instead of the material sensor 2.
Are arranged with a thickness detection sensor 3 a and an image sensor 3 b in place of the outer shape sensor 3, and are combined with the pattern sensor 4. The operation and processing for identifying the paper sheet 21a are as follows.
Since this is the same as the above example, the description is omitted here.

In the above example, the material sensor, the outer shape sensor,
And an example including the pattern sensor has been described, but if at least the pattern sensor is provided, it is possible to accurately determine whether the coin is true or false.

In the above-described example, the pattern data of coins having substantially the same external dimensions and material as the regular coin and excluding the regular coin are separately stored, and coins other than the regular coin estimated from the material data and the contour data are stored. Although it is determined whether or not there is a coin, the pattern data of the coin having almost the same outer dimensions as the regular coin and excluding the regular coin may be stored, and the same material as the regular coin may be used. The coin pattern data other than the true coin may be stored.

[0033]

As described above, according to the present invention, when coins (for example, foreign coins or imitation coins) whose external dimensions (diameter, thickness, presence or absence of holes) and material are similar to genuine coins are inserted. Since at least the pattern of the coin is also measured, it is possible to correctly determine the authenticity of the coin with the same external dimensions and the same material, thereby reducing the erroneous recognition of the coin.

Further, according to the present invention, since the pattern of the coin is measured using an image pickup means such as a CCD camera, the pattern of the coin can be measured without stopping the coin being conveyed. There is an effect that measurement time can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a coin identification device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the coin identification device shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing another example of the coin identification device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part (CPU) 2 Material sensor 3 Outline sensor 4 Pattern sensor 5 Gate drive part 6 Gate 11 Transport path 12 Storage transport path 13 Return path 21 Coins

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G07D 5/00-5/10 G06T 7/00

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sensor means for obtaining measured pattern data by imaging a pattern on the surface of a coin conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction, and an external data sensor for measuring external dimensions of the coin to obtain measured external data. A first comparison result is obtained by comparing the predetermined pattern data of the regular coin with the measured pattern data, and a second comparison is performed by comparing the predetermined dimension data of the regular coin with the measured contour data. And a discriminating means for discriminating the authenticity of the coin according to the first and second comparison results. The discriminating means has the same outer dimensions as the true coin. Pattern data of coins other than the true coin is separately stored as other pattern data, and the identification means retrieves the other pattern data based on the measured outline data to obtain search data, and obtains the search data. Data is compared with the measurement pattern data to obtain a third comparison result. When the third comparison result does not match, the coin is conveyed to the storage unit, and the third comparison result matches. Wherein the coin is returned. 2. A sensor means for capturing a pattern on the surface of a coin conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction to obtain measurement pattern data, a material data sensor for measuring the material of the coin and obtaining measurement material data, A first comparison result is obtained by comparing the predetermined pattern data of the true coin with the measured pattern data, and a fourth comparison is performed by comparing the material data of the predetermined true coin with the measured material data. Identification means for obtaining a result to determine the authenticity of the coin according to the first and fourth comparison results, wherein the identification means has substantially the same material as the authentic coin, The pattern data of coins other than the regular coin is separately stored as other pattern data, and the identification means searches the other pattern data based on the measured material data to obtain search data, and obtains the search data and the measurement data. A fifth comparison result is obtained by comparing with the regular pattern data, and when the fifth comparison result does not match, the coin is conveyed to the storage unit, and when the fifth comparison result matches, the coin is returned. A coin identification device characterized by returning a coin. 3. A sensor means for obtaining measured pattern data by imaging a pattern on the surface of a coin conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction, and an external data sensor for measuring external dimensions of the coin to obtain measured external data. A material data sensor for measuring the material of the coin to obtain measured material data, and comparing a predetermined coin pattern data with the measured pattern data to obtain a first comparison result and a preset value. A second comparison result is obtained by comparing the external dimension data of the true coin with the measured external data, and a fourth comparison result is obtained by comparing the material data of the predetermined positive coin with the measured material data. And identification means for identifying the authenticity of the coin according to the first, second, and fourth comparison results, wherein the identification means has substantially the same external dimensions as the true coin. as well as Pattern data of coins having a material and excluding the true coin are separately stored as other pattern data, and the identification means searches the other pattern data based on the measured external dimension data and the measured material data, and retrieves the search data. And comparing the search data with the measurement pattern data to obtain a sixth comparison result. When the sixth comparison result does not match, the coin is transported to a storage unit, and the sixth comparison result is obtained. A coin discriminating device, wherein the coin is returned when the comparison result matches. 4. A coin discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sensor means comprises a CCD.
A coin identifying device characterized by using a camera. 5. A material data sensor for measuring a material of a coin conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction to obtain measured material data, and an outer shape data sensor for measuring an outer dimension of the coin to obtain measured outer shape data. A pattern sensor that captures a pattern on the coin surface to obtain measurement pattern data, a first comparison unit that compares a predetermined material data of a positive coin with the measurement pattern data to obtain a material comparison result, A second comparing means for comparing a predetermined outer dimension data of the true coin with the measured outer shape data to obtain an outer shape comparison result, and comparing the predetermined pattern data of the true coin with the measured pattern data; A third comparing means for obtaining a pattern comparison result, and pattern data of a coin having substantially the same outer dimensions and material as the regular coin but excluding the regular coin are separately stored as other pattern data. A fourth comparing means for searching the other pattern data based on the measured material data and the measured outer shape data to obtain search data, comparing the search data with the measured pattern data to obtain another pattern comparison result, A control unit that conveys the coin to the storage unit when the material comparison result, the outer shape comparison result, and the pattern data both match and the other pattern comparison result does not match, and returns the coin in other states. A coin identification device comprising: